Scallops and eggs AKA Diver Sea Scallop Omelet, one of the tasty brunch items at Bear

We were delighted to see the the NY Times decided to visit Astoria’s own Bear, a “New European” restaurant in Astoria. The Times calls it LIC but it’s really Astoria. It’s located a little out of the way via subway – about 8/10 of a mile from either the 30th Avenue or Broadway stops on the N/Q – but just a couple of blocks away from the Q69 bus that runs along 21st Street. Heading there is worth it, as the food is delicious. Everything we’ve had there has been just lovely. We love the fact that they work with the seasons and source a lot of food locally. And the owners are sweethearts.

We are a city that loves to brunch, and brunch is alive and well in Queens…with a few twists. Here are some standout places to brunch it up in 3 neighborhoods. Don’t be surprised to see a burger with an egg on top, jumbo mimosas, or dim sum — these are some of the best places for weekend grub.

Vesta – Astoria – This popular Italian inspired locavore restaurant, serves one of the best brunches in Astoria, hands down. You can choose from both sides of the menu – breakfast from buttermilk pancakes to omelets, or lunch classics like burgers and pizza. The burger comes with an egg on top, as does the pizza – Vesta is famous for its cracker thin crust Hangover Pizza, which is topped with potato, pancetta, sausage, fried eggs, and spicy tomato sauce.

A Warm Bankie is made with creamy polenta, fried eggs, asparagus, and mushrooms, and a perfect addition of truffle oil. Their greens and vegetables are all grown at local rooftop farm Brooklyn Grange.